Asparagus with Cumin-Orange Dressing
I love, love, love veggies, baked, grilled or steamed. Here is a delicious asparagus recipe from Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of American Public Media's national radio show,The Splendid Table. It's not hard to make, and a nice variation on serving asparagus.

serves 4

Prepare the asparagus (This is not part of Ms Kasper's  recipe!) as follows:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash asparagus and cut off  some of the end. Pat dry. Lay out on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast  for 15-20 minutes, stirring half-way through.

While baking, prepare the dressing.

Dressing:

• 1/2-3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/3 cup virgin olive oil
• shredded zest of 1/2 medium organic orange
• 3-4 Tbs (or to taste) of cider or wine vinegar (I use cider)

Put cumin, oil and orange zest in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute (or gently warm in saucepan over medium-low heat). Let cool for 2-3 minutes, the whisk in vinegar. Taste for balance, adding more vinegar or oil as needed.

To serve, arrange the asparagus on a platter. moisten with the dressing and sprinkle with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper (taste for balance). Serve at room temperature.

August 2011